Sunday, October 9, 2011

Journal #5: Students Teaching Students (NETS-3)

Wolfe, T. J. (2011). Students teaching students. Learning and Leading, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-september-october-2011.aspx

 I think that this article about how students can teach other students is a wonderful idea because a lot of times other students know how to teach and be on the same level as other students. For example, if a certain subject is harder for other students it also can come easier to other students. So if teachers were to break up the different subjects among the students but their strong and weak points then students could teach other students. Then the teacher can even make groups to come up with a more interesting and fun way that includes the use of technology to teach their subject to the class.

Question 1: How else could this idea be used?
-This idea could be used for life strategies and lessons as well as classroom subjects. For example, a teacher could use older kids for each grade to talk about the harmful effects of bullying. This way when outside on recess if there is a bullying situation taking place other students could come together to help stop it. As well as sports and other physical activities. Obviously, some students are more athletic than others and you could do the same thing, and have other students teach students the ways of sports and activities.


Question 2: How might this idea not work?
-A negative side of this idea is that there might be more distractions when put into groups working with other students. Teachers may also have more conflicts with arguing and if students do not agree on a certain topic. Some students might not find this learning technique appropriate and it might not work for all students. However, I believe that this is an idea that teachers should try throughout the year but must not learn to rely on.


Not only does this allow students to teach other students differently than teachers can teach, but it allows students to use technology to teach the students. This also allows students to become more comfortable with the class because they will have to do more talking in front of the class and this creates a class bond that can be very helpful throughout the year. 

Journal #4: It's In the Bag (NETS-2)

Basham, J., Perry, E. & Meyer, H. (2011, September). It's in the bag: digital backpacks for project-based learnign. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-september-october-2011.aspx

The digital backpack is a very innovative idea that can help create a huge amount of learning through technology. The fact that it has been tested on all age ranges is also important because not only can this be a great tool for teachers to use inside the classroom, adults all over can use this as well. One of my favorite aspects of this digital backpack is that it helps build multiple skills though many different ways of communication, as well as problem solving and includes critical thinking. Since it is 2011 more and more technology will be used in classrooms and so I believe that the digital backpack is a great start!

Question 1: Which component out of the 3 different components would be most beneficial is my classroom?
- I believe that the Modular Technology would be my main focus in my classroom because it is of interest to me. For example, the fact that it uses different types of technology like the ipod, or camcorders really intrigues me. This is different then just the simple computer programs that are a part of technology, this goes beyond the usual. The idea of using a camcorder for a classroom project seems like an awesome idea. Making things interesting for a classroom full of students keeps kids intrigued and I think technology is a great way to do this,

Question 2: How can the digital backpack be used outside of the classroom?
-Like in the article, when the class went to the zoo and they used technology to capture video, pictures, and sounds of animals to record for their projects, there are many more ways to use technology outside of the classroom. For example, if you can incorporate ipods with a classroom exercise related to music and artists would be a great lesson. With a higher grade level something like twitter is also a great way to communicate outside of the classroom and this way students can get help from other students when needed. 

Overall, the digital backpack seems to be a great idea to introduce more technology into the classrooms and world today!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Journal #3: Students Dig up Dirt to Learn about Internet Safety (NETS-2)

Morehouse, J. (2011). Students dig up dirt to learn about internet safety. 39(2), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Learning_Connections_Students_Dig_Up_Dirt_to_Learn_about_Internet_Safety.aspx


In the article Students Dig Up Dirt To Learn About Internet Safety by Jesse Morehouse this article is all about how the stuff teenagers and really anyone posts on the internet is available to all when people try to search for things. For example, I followed the steps to see if I could find my friends and family and it was rather easy and it scared me in a way. I think this is a huge topic that should be expressed to all teenagers because they are so unaware of the dangers. There are privacy settings on every social networking site and these should be used at all times. Not only do teenagers need to be aware of these settings but parents should also. Parents need to implement rules on the privacy that their children should have on their sites. 

Question 1: How can we create more privacy awareness on the internet?

I believe that every profile should have to be private and there so be no way around it. I also think that somehow parents need to be more aware of what their children are doing on the web and how they can monitor it. Some parents are so oblivious as to what their kids are doing that is is unbelievable. Everyone should know what is okay and what is not okay to post on the internet. For example, like the article says no postings of personal information like phone numbers and addresses and such.

Question 2: How can I teach this in my classrooms?

When I become a teacher I want to teach younger grades so I do not think that this certain type of information really pertains to that age level. However, if I was to teach higher grades I would like to get it approved by the principle of my school if I can teach how important this subject is. There are creepy people who are out there on the internet and who love stalking people who just give away their information. Just one simple computer class on the following article would make students more aware of the dangers out there on the web.

Journal #2: Join the Flock & Enhance Your Twitter Experience (NETS-5)

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock. Learning and Leading with Technology, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-september-october-2011.aspx

In this article by Hadley Ferguson she makes readers very interested in becoming apart of the social network of Twitter and what a PLN really is. I really liked when she wrote about how by joining a twitter you can become friends with people you would never pick out from a crowded room. Since recently creating a Twitter I wish I would have read this article beforehand because it makes readers feel a lot more comfortable as well as she gave the readers a break down in steps of just how to become a part of this. When she wrote about how joining a PLN takes commitment it is very true, because if people are following you, you must be committed. Reading this article proves that technology is the future and people shouldn't be scared of it but rather embrace it.

Question 1: How can I use Twitter when I become a teacher?

When I become a teacher I can use twitters by becoming friends with other teachers and follow them because they might post some great ideas and advice. In need for lesson plans? Being friends with other educators you can all collaberate together and create great ideas together.


Question 2: What is the importance of the hash-tag?

I could really use the hash-tag to connect with the teachers and other people who I follow. I just recently learned how to use this and it is very helpful. This way when I have something good to post or something I am searching for I can find it a lot easier by using this. This will also help me search and find more interesting people to follow through other people using the same hash-tag.

Shannon McClintock (2010). Enhance your twitter experience. Learning and Leading with Technology37(8), 13-17. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-september-october-2011.aspx

In the article by Shannon McClintock I had never heard of the application TweetDeck and have not yet looked into it more but she makes social networking seem very easy and organized. By reading these articles I have already learned so much about social networking and how it can all be in my benefit. These are great tools that I can use in the future and I can teach other teachers and colleagues.

Journal #1: 100 things that make me happy


  1. My mom and dad
  2. My little sister
  3. My boyfriend of 5+ years
  4. mashed potatoes
  5. having a job
  6. My first home
  7. Having amazing friends
  8. frozen cheesecake
  9. Being blonde
  10. animals
  11. basketball
  12. Boston Celtics
  13. shopping
  14. jewelry
  15. A day at the beach
  16. My grandparents
  17. T.V.
  18. Going to the movies
  19. My I-pod
  20. Taylor Swift
  21. Board games
  22. Tostitos Chips
  23. Subway (the food)
  24. October 11th (my birthday)
  25. Outdoor sports
  26. Hot showers
  27. Sleeping
  28. Burning candles
  29. The smell of fire
  30. Butterfingers
  31. Babies
  32. Getting my nails done
  33. My eyebrows
  34. Pajamas
  35. Wal-Mart
  36. McDonalds mini meals
  37. Things being on sale
  38. Stuffed animals
  39. Getting flowers
  40. Cute text messages
  41. Facebook
  42. Being a girl
  43. Surprises
  44. Larry Bird
  45. Bath and Body works
  46. Helping people
  47. The Eiffel Tower
  48. Flip flops
  49. My Ford Focus
  50. Vacation
  51. Rainy days
  52. Reading
  53. Nicholas Sparks
  54. P.S. I love you (the movie)
  55. Gatorade
  56. Cherry Coke from La Cocina
  57. Bean and cheese burritos
  58. Breakfast
  59. Staying in hotels
  60. Red velvet cupcakes
  61. Jamba Juice
  62. TIVO
  63. Sparkly things
  64. New jeans
  65. Passion Tea Lemonade from Starbucks
  66. Bacon
  67. Riding bikes
  68. Low gas prices
  69. Photos
  70. Family gatherings
  71. My Uncle who is in the Navy
  72. The ones fighting for our country
  73. Fluffy blankets
  74. Makeup
  75. Slippers
  76. Butterflies
  77. Tattoos
  78. Freckles
  79. Quotes on life
  80. Love
  81. The color blue
  82. Nail polish
  83. The Twilight series
  84. Lotion
  85. Lip gloss
  86. Bubble baths
  87. Country Music
  88. Concerts
  89. Vegas
  90. Holding hands
  91. Getting flowers
  92. Happy endings
  93. Crunchy peanut butter on pancakes
  94. Black and white photos
  95. Road trips with my friends
  96. The little things in life
  97. Being young
  98. Puzzles
  99. Learning sign language
100. fireworks